<![CDATA[Fiqh of Worship instruction in senior high schools tends to be textual and memorization-oriented, resulting in low conceptual and contextual understanding among students. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) implementation in enhancing students’ understanding of Fiqh Ibadah. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design involved 60 tenth-grade students of SMA Negeri 1 Kabupaten Bungo, selected via cluster random sampling. Instruments included a cognitive understanding test (expert-validated, α = 0.85), PjBL implementation observation sheets, and student response questionnaires. Data were analyzed using normality and homogeneity tests, paired and independent t-tests, and normalized gain (N-gain). Results showed the experimental class’s mean score increased from 58.20 to 82.40 (N-gain = 0.61), while the control class rose from 57.80 to 68.90 (N-gain = 0.28). Independent t-test on posttest yielded t = 4.321; df = 58; p = 0.000 < 0.05, indicating a significant difference. Observations and questionnaires confirmed PjBL syntax implementation ≥85% and 87% positive student responses toward contextual, collaborative, and real-life relevant learning. It is concluded that PjBL significantly and effectively improves Fiqh Ibadah understanding. The study recommends integrating PjBL into Islamic education with teacher scaffolding, project time allocation, and Merdeka Curriculum-aligned pedagogical training.]]>
